The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers. Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but whoever hates correction is stupid. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts. This is what the Lord says to Israel: “Seek me and live.” In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips
and spreads slander is a fool. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. For you, God, tested us;
you refined us like silver. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb,
and as everyone comes, so they depart.
They take nothing from their toil
that they can carry in their hands. I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths. Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
“I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”Next verse!With image